Why Isn’t Contemporary Christian Music Ever Invited to the Super Bowl Halftime?

Each year, millions of viewers tune in to see the Super Bowl halftime show. It’s arguably the biggest single stage in American entertainment. Yet time and again, the headline acts are secular pop, hip-hop, rock, or Latin stars — not Christian contemporary or worship artists. Why is that? Why does the NFL prefer performers whose messages often clash with a Christian worldview, while ignoring a genre whose popularity is growing?

This piece explores possible reasons, tensions at play, and the case that Christian music should have a shot.

The Growth of Christian / Gospel / Contemporary Christian Music

First, it’s worth recognizing that Christian music is not a fringe niche. Some key numbers:

• In the first half of 2024, the Christian / Gospel / CCM genre was the fourth-fastest growing genre in the U.S., expanding by 8.9% in overall consumption (albums + streams) — more than double the general industry growth rate of ~4%.

• On Spotify, Christian music has seen ~50% growth in the U.S. over five years, and globally ~60% over the same period.

• Streaming of Christian music has increased ~60% over the past five years.

• An estimated 54 million U.S. adults listen to Christian & Gospel music several times per week or more.

• Christian / Gospel music is not isolated — it is embedded in a broader entertainment infrastructure. For instance, Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) is part of Universal Music Group, and CCM labels have been acquired by major labels.

These figures argue that Christian music is neither marginal nor stagnant. The audience is real, growing, and increasingly younger. So, part of what you ask is valid: the argument that “there isn’t enough audience” is losing force.

The Counterargument: Why Christian Music Should Be Considered

If one believes it is unfair exclusion, here are arguments for why Christian music acts should be invited (or considered seriously):

1. Legitimate Audience & Growth The growth metrics and audience data show that Christian music is not niche but increasingly popular. That alone challenges the notion that it isn’t relevant enough for a mass-stage event.

2. Crossover Appeal Many Christian artists already crossover into mainstream charts. Songs with faith themes sometimes succeed broadly. When Christian content is done artistically and accessibly, it can resonate with secular audiences too.

3. Unifying Message A Well-chosen Christian performance could deliver themes of hope, love, unity — messages many fans could accept even if they aren’t religious. In a divisive moment, such content might be refreshing.

4. Artistic Excellence & Production Capability Many Christian acts already tour large arenas, use professional production, and have strong artistic credentials. With proper investment, they could meet the scale required.

5. Symbolic Witness from a Christian perspective, being invited to such a large stage would be both a recognition and a witness opportunity — a chance to represent faith and integrate Christian voices into mainstream culture. Let’s face it the NFL has no issue pushing, sex, alcohol and the LGBTQ agenda, why not push Christianity? Maybe if you did it could influence people to find God, instead of indoctrinating kids into LGBTQ culture?

NFL Commercial: “Football is GAY.”

Objections & Challenges to the Idea

Of course, it’s not as simple as “just invite a Christian artist.” Some valid hurdles:

• Audience Pushback: Some fans might object to overt religious content in what they expect as entertainment. There could be backlash or accusations of proselytizing. Then again, many people already hate the glorifying of the LGBTQ culture, and more people are Christians than are a part of the LGBTQ culture.

• Balance & Diversity: The NFL might feel obligated to avoid appearing partial to one religion over others (e.g. Christian vs. Muslim vs. atheist). Make no mistake about it the NFL cares nothing for the Nuclear Family they are using their platform to make money and to carry out an agenda that is against God and Family.

• Selection & Artist Fit: Not every Christian artist is a match for a mass-entertainment show format. The choice of artist, style, performance must align with expectations of spectacle, pacing, audience energy. But, if you think that maybe go to a Christian concert, there you can definitely feel the energy and that energy is ALL positive.

• Logistical & Business Constraints: Contracts, production budgets, licensing, broadcast rights — those can impose constraints that favor already well-known secular names.

• Perceptions Among Believers: Even some Christians may argue whether the Super Bowl is a worthy or strategic platform for spiritual messaging (concerns of compromise, commercialization, or dilution).

A Possible Vision: What a Christian Halftime Show Could Look Like

Imagine a halftime show headlined by a top-tier Christian artist (or ensemble) with broad appeal, supported by high production values, guest collaborators (possibly secular or crossover artists), choreography, visuals, and a message of hope or unity. The performance could include uplifting, non-divisive themes (for example: perseverance, redemption, peace) while still being rooted in faith. The themes that are played almost yearly are divisive anyway. Imagine say Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll taking the stage together? I think that would bring some energy.

Such a show might surprise skeptics and potentially draw new listeners to Christian music — much as other halftime shows bring huge exposure to the performers chosen.

Jelly Roll x Brandon Lake – “Hard Fought Hallelujah” | Live at the Grand Ole Opry

In Conclusion

The absence of Christian contemporary music from Super Bowl halftime shows reflects a combination of institutional, cultural, and business dynamics, not simply a lack of audience or merit. As Christian music continues to grow — both in streams and listenership — the case for representation in mainstream cultural spectacles becomes stronger.

If Christian believers and industry stakeholders want to see change, they will have to sell out and I am sure some performers would do just that, but in the end we here all the time about racism and antisemitism, but in all reality no group is more picked on and systematically weeded out than Christians are. Currently a genocide of Christians and Liberal Muslims is happening at an unprecedented rate and all we hear about from American Mainstream media is about Palestine and Israel, ignoring the Genocide of Christians.

‘The violence is relentless’: Nigerian Christians face persecution from Islamist groups

So, no the NFL will never use a Christian artist for a Super Bowl halftime show because sex and debauchery sell, family values is just a talking point the NFL likes to use to further its cause and make them look good.